Home Burglaries

Millions of burglaries are committed in the United States each year. Unoccupied houses, apartments, businesses, and vehicles are susceptible to burglary. Here are steps you can take to protect your property and lower the risk of being victimized:

• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed, especially near entry points
• Ensure street lights are working, and report burnt/broken street lights to the utility company. 
• Keep your home exterior well-lit. Burglars may use "dark spots" as cover. 
• Do not leave valuable tools or other items in plain sight outside your home. This could encourage theft, and tools could be used to break into your home.
• Consider using chain-link which will protect your property, but not allow burglars to use it for cover. 
• Opt for solid wood or steel (no glass) for exterior doors. Ensure hinges are on the inside of the home. 
• Be sure all windows are locked at all times when not open/in use. 
• Secure garage doors with a manual lock. Do not rely on the electric door opener for security. Be sure door closes completely before leaving your residence. 
• Dogs can be a good deterrent when they bark at approaching strangers. 
• Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. 
• If leaving on vacation, have a trusted person daily check your home, remove newspapers from the driveway, and check the mail to avoid the appearance the home is vacant. Consider interior and exterior timers for lights. Avoid posting about your vacation on social media until you have returned. 

If you witness vehicles continuously coming and going from a residence at various hours of the day or night, it could be a sign of possible illegal narcotics activity which should be reported. 

If you suspect a friend or family member may be on drugs, here are changes in behavior to watch for:

• sleeplessness for days or weeks
• loss of appetite or compulsive eating
• extreme weight loss
• dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes
• overly excited or talkative 
• slurred speech
• paranoia or anxiety
• depression or suicidal thoughts
• violence/aggression
• irritability
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• mental confusion or hallucinations
• false sense of power
• nausea/vomiting